PREVIEW: ANCIENT COINS AND ANTIQUITIES 8 MARCH

This bronze horse with separate rider, complete with crested helmet, were found together at Lissington in Lincolnshire in 2006 and are exceptional in size.

A Romano-British bronze figurine dating to the 2nd-3rd century AD, it is thought to be associated with the horseman cult in eastern Britain, where several such figures and enamelled plate brooches have been discovered.

The horse is 10cm long by 9cm high by 2.5cm wide, while the rider is 9.5cm high by 4cm wide by 2.5cm deep. He wears a belted tunic with vertical folds and a kilt below and has a crested helmet.

His right arm extends sideways and turns up at the elbow with a notch to hold a spear. The left arm extends sideways to the elbow, where a shield would have been attached.

The horse has a bridle, nose and head band. The tail has been reattached. All the detailing is clear with a slightly uneven green patina and red highlights.

The horseman held high status in Britain with a connection to the Roman god Mars and to hunting.

The figurine is a highlight of the Ancient Coins and Antiquities auction and is estimated at £4,000-5,000.